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Back in Boston, Dice-K ready for return to field

Back in Boston, Dice-K ready for return to field

BOSTON -- Daisuke Matsuzaka returned to Fenway Park on Wednesday, eager to start his latest comeback with the Red Sox.

That recurring story line could be entering its final chapter.

Matsuzaka, who came to Boston amid much fanfare in December 2006, has just more than a month left on the six-year, $52 million deal he signed to leave Japan.

It seems doubtful that Matsuzaka will return to the Red Sox once he reaches free agency, though he is open to the idea.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Boston and my family has also enjoyed our time here, so of course I'd like to," Matsuzaka said through interpreter Jeff Cutler. "But it's a little early to say where I'm going to be or to be talking about that. But no matter how long I'm going to be here, I'd like to wear the Red Sox uniform with honor and play hard for the rest of season and do what I can to contribute to the team."

Matsuzaka's first two seasons were nothing to complain about, as he went 33-15 and helped the Red Sox to one World Series championship and a trip to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series in '08.

But over the last four seasons, injuries (seven stints on the disabled list) and underperformance (16-18, 5.17 ERA) have been the overriding story lines.

After coming back from Tommy John surgery this season, Matsuzaka went 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA before being shut down with a neck injury.

Now, he feels the best he's felt in some time.

"After I had the surgery, my body definitely feels better than it did before, which is a good thing," Matsuzaka said. "It's definitely been stressful and frustrating at the same time to have to fight through all these injuries. But I think I'm finally at a good place and I'm looking forward to getting better and better every time I pitch."

Matsuzaka will huddle soon with manager Bobby Valentine and pitching coach Randy Niemann to see when he will be slotted into the rotation. It could be as early as Sunday.

Lefty Felix Doubront, who was shut down for a couple of starts for rest purposes, should also be slotted back into the rotation soon. He is eligible to return from the disabled list on Saturday.